Nashville: The Full Moon Brings Fun, Outdoor Activities

Each full moon brings great nights for walking and looking in awe at the moon. But, it also brings activities to embrace that are only offered during this moon phase. Now, not all of these are on the EXACT full moon night, but they all happen right around it. And, with National Moon Day being July 20 (the day the first man walked on the moon) and the full moon being on July 19 (so at midnight, both things happening at once!) it seemed the perfect time to consider some fabulous outdoor activities that happen here in Nashville, and across Tennessee, that coincide with the wonder of the full moon.

The next full moons are July 19, August 18 and September 16, 2016.

4 Nashville Events to Embrace the Full Moon

Adventureworks Full Moon Zipline

Adventureworks Zipline & Aerial Adventure Park, at their west Nashville location in Kingston Springs, offers adventure galore. But, once a month, near the time of the full moon, they offer a night-time session of ziplining. Take your zipline tour and experience the thrill of zipping through the moonlit nighttime forest! Arrive at dusk, get your gear on, and prepare for fun! Cost: $65/person. More details.

Full Moon Paddle boarding/Kayaking with Paddle Up

Enjoy Percy Priest Lake like never before with the full moon above you and a paddle board below you! Spots book up fast, so we’re looking at September for this one (but you could get on a waiting list for July and/or August). You’ll need to have at least one paddle boarding session prior to the full moon session and you must wear a headlight as it’s the law so that boats can see you. But, how fun is this?! Available for kayaking and paddle boarding for $35/person or bring your own board for $5/person. More details.

Full Moon Hike at Warner Parks

For the past 15 years, Michael Hughes, of Tread Light Adventure Travel, has been leading groups of two to one hundred on full moon hikes at Edwin Warner Park! Meet at picnic site #9, which is right off of Vaughn Road, near the baseball and model airplane fields. You’ll need a flashlight or headlamp, water bottle and walking shoes that can get wet. The trail is 4.25 miles and strollers and leashed dogs are allowed. No need to RSVP, just show up at 7:30 p.m. More details.

Full Moon Pickin’ Parties at Warner Parks

For 16 years, Nashville has been celebrating the Warner Parks with the Full Moon Pickin Party, held on the Friday night closest to the full moon, each month May through October from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Listen to bluegrass at one of the prettiest places in the entire city — blissful. With three headlining bands as well as pickers playing music in circles all around the gathering, this is Nashville at its best! Up to four beers as well as soda and water are included in your purchase price (21 and older wear wrist bands, but this is definitely a family-friendly event) and food is available for purchase, or you can bring your own. Seating is limited, so bring a blanket on which to sit. Yep, you can bring your leashed dog (6-foot leash or shorter) and ticket prices are in advance $20/per adult over 18, $7 for ages 7 through 17, and free for children up to 6 years old. At the door, it’s cash or check only and tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for youth and free for 6-years old and younger. These do sell out, so advance purchase of tickets is encouraged! The party takes places at Warner Park Equestrian Center: 2500 Old Hickory Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37221. More details and ticket information here.

Looking for an overnight trip to embrace the full moon?

At Cumberland Falls State Park, this photo was taken on a very bright full moon night, but that is actually a moonbow … with a really great camera used to capture it! Image: Flickr

Cumberland Falls State Park in Kentucky

Have you heard about the moonbows at Cumberland Falls State Park? It’s in Corbin, Kentucky, which is less than three and a half hours from Nashville and with the light of a full moon (actually, the whole week around the full moon) moonbows, which are akin to rainbows but with the light of the moon, can be seen near the falls. It’s on my bucket list, so I wanted to share! There are over 17 miles of hiking trails as well as opportunities to go gem mining, camping, fishing, birding, hiking, horseback riding, rafting and play tennis or shuffleboard! There is a fabulous looking lodge and restaurant at the park also, but reservations fill up, so plan ahead! More details.

Full Moon Fitness at Harrison Bay State Park

Harrison Bay State Park, just north of Chattanooga, is offering Full Moon Fitness each month during 2016. Events take place during the day or night of the full moon including ranger-led hikes, mountain bikes, canoe trips and more. This park is GORGEOUS, so make some plans to go Chattanooga and then head to Harrison Bay State Park! More details.

Alright Nashville, now you have no excuse not to embrace the next few full moons!

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HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND!! Love finding out fun things to do around town? Download our free SB App and click the calendar as we have a curated list of fun things happening to keep you in the know and there are great things going on THIS WEEKEND! Check it out!